Unreliable Lock Switches

[Stanley]

Whether I use the remote fob or the driver's door interior switch, sometimes when I try to unlock the doors (both), it just fails. If I hit the button over and over it eventually works. What's the most common cause of this?

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

There's a tech article about the button:

Thread 'Door Lock Switch Repair'

Jun 4, 2025

My passenger side door lock switch was acting up and not locking the door. It would unlock the door, but had issues trying to lock it. After a long time of searching for a replacement and coming up empty (without paying an exuberant amount of money), I decided to tackle the switch one-on-one. I pulled the door lock switch out of the door and this my story....

1) Using a plastic body tool or similar, pop the window / door lock switch panel by pressing under the front of the panel. Pull it out enough to undo the wiring panels to the switches. Remove the panel. There are no screws to...

• White Lincoln
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Interior

• 

Not sure about the remote though.

 

[Stanley]

I did see that, but I'm not actually sure what's happening so I don't want to start digging into bits until I have a better idea of what's occurring.

 

[theterminator93]

If the passenger door lock switch works fine to lock/unlock both doors, I'd say it's most likely just a flaky button (or less likely, a connection/wiring) on the driver's side. If your keyless remote is also acting up (which to be fair mine does on occasion) it's probably just a weak battery and/or worn out button inside the remote too. I don't ever recall it having great range either - I have to be within 30 or 40 feet of the car most times otherwise it won't unlock on the first try.

If neither switch does anything, are you hearing the lock actuators when you depress them? Are the lock cylinders easily manipulated with the key from the outside?

 

[Stanley]

Lock cylinders definitely turn easily: I greased the keyholes with a silicone lubricant (not WD-40) and they turn very smoothly. I did replace the battery in the fob, so that's not the issue. I'll try to experiment with the passenger side switches and see what happens.

 

[Grog6]

The lock mechanism can get sticky, as the factory grease gets old and crusty, or washed out with wd40. I had that problem on an old car my mom had. I took it out, soaked the crud out with solvent, and soaked it in a solution of solvent and light grease. It worked several years, until she traded cars.

 

[97 30th]

I don't ever recall it having great range either - I have to be within 30 or 40 feet of the car most times otherwise it won't unlock on the first try.

Mine doesn't either. The antenna looks like a short piece of coax in the c pillar.

 

[Grog6]

those tiny switches do go bad, you can buy them. most are N.O., close on press type.